Saber executive predicts a “Half-Life 2 of AI” for games

Generative AI remains controversial in game development, but Tim Willits, Chief Creative Officer at Saber Interactive, continues to support its potential.

In a recent interview with Eurogamer, Willits said that “someone will make something that will change people's minds” about the technology. He compared that possible breakthrough with a “Half-Life 2 of AI”. Willits acknowledged that the example was “silly”, but argued that a game made entirely or largely with AI could eventually become too good for players to ignore.

Those comments followed controversy involving Saber CEO Matthew Karch, who said he would have been happy to replace Stella Sacco, one of the writers on the upcoming title Rideshare “Stimulator”, with AI.

The argument has not convinced everyone. AI has already drawn criticism over generated assets in Crimson Desert, DLSS 5’s unsolicited makeover of Resident Evil: Requiem’s Grace Ashcroft, and the gen-AI disclosure for Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. AI could theoretically speed development, but it currently appears prone to mistakes and soulless artwork and assets. Critics also point to possible developer redundancies, high energy use, and broader environmental costs.

In a reader poll, gen-AI ranked below the death of physical media and the RAM crisis as a concern, but above layoffs and studio closures.